In the following essay, Bennett, a doctoral candidate at the University of California-Berke1ey, argues that despite its status as a "minor" classic, The Catcher in the Rye is a work with literary significance that rewards the reader with several types of interpretations.

Even though The Catcher in the Rye is usually considered only a "minor" classic of American fiction, it is a very popular novel that frequently provokes strong reactions—both positive and negative—from its readers. In fact, The Catcher in the Rye is one of the most widely read and discussed works in the American literary canon. Despite its widespread popularity and significant reputation, however, some critics argue that it is too vulgar, immoral, and immature to be considered serious literature. Moreover, a few teachers and parents have censored the novel because they feel that it will corrupt children who read it...